Have you ever felt stuck in the wrong season? Like when you want (or need) to be doing something else but for some reason, you can't do it yet. I find it especially tough when it comes to your calling or ministry.
Maybe you want to go to all services and practices,
but your kids go to sleep at 9 and need you to be there.
Maybe you feel called to be a missionary
but can't afford to travel right now.
Maybe you want to host a bible study or lead a home group,
but you live in your parent's tiny basement.
Maybe you are ready to take up any ministry,
but school takes up all of your time.
Maybe you know your calling is to be a good wife and a mother,
but you don't even have a boyfriend yet.
Or maybe you want to lead youth conferences,
but your youth group is only ten people.
Whatever it is, trust me, you're not alone!
Many of us have a certain vision or revelation regarding our futures, our callings, and our dreams, but circumstances often don't match those ideas. For some time now I've been thinking: what should I do in this kind of situation? How can I break this vicious circle or how do I survive this season of stagnation? How do I follow my dream/goal/calling?
Biblical Example
Every time I talk about calling I remember Joseph. His story is documented in Genesis, starting from chapter 37. When he was a young boy he didn't just start dreaming - he received multiple revelations about his future calling that included power, authority, and honor.
However, for years Joseph was put in circumstances that were completely opposite to that vision: slavery, prison, brothers' betrayal, undeserved accusations, and being forgotten by his friends. In all those situations it seemed like Joseph had every right to hold a grudge toward God, feel abandoned and lost, and say that his life went in a completely wrong direction.
But these are just my thoughts. Have you ever read what the Bible tells us about Joseph in those seasons?
The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.
His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.
So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had.
From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had, in house and field (Gen. 39:2-5, ESV)
Later on, when Joseph was put in prison we can find a similar description of his life. Note this: the Lord was with Joseph and blessed him in everything he was doing. Moreover, the Lord not only blessed Joseph, but also his master and everything he owned.
Now I have only one question:
Why Was The Lord With Joseph?
What was so special about this man? What was he doing to be successful in those difficult and unjust circumstances? In the conditions that didn't help his calling or aspiration?
The author of Genesis doesn't give us any direct answers to these questions which gives all readers food for thought. I suggest you also pause to think about this question and come up with (look up in the Bible) ideas on what you could do so that the Lord would be with you in the current season of your life.
Meanwhile, I will share my ideas with you.
My Version Is Faithfulness
I think that Joseph was faithful. In his father's house, as well as in his masters' houses and prison, Joseph was simply doing what he was supposed to do - in the best way possible. He was obedient and responsible, he was diligent and hardworking. The Bible doesn't tell specifically about this, but think about it: who would put a slave in charge of the whole household if he didn't show all those qualities? Who would put a prisoner in charge of the prison if he didn't show his good character? Who would trust a kingdom to a random dream interpreter if people around him didn't spread the good word about him?
I think that in every season of his life Joseph did his best to please God, to perform his duties in the best way possible, and to build good relationships with people by serving them. And I think that Joseph stayed faithful to his beliefs (as much as it was possible in the Old Testament) since God blessed him abundantly, in turn staying faithful to Joseph.
Joseph's Faithfulness to God
In the moment when his faith was determined Joseph displayed his faithfulness in front of the pharaoh himself (and I'm honestly impressed by that story).
And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it”
Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer”(Gen 41:15-16)
Even though the pharaoh was a heathen and claimed himself to be God, Joseph didn't deny his faith and didn't take credit for God's miracles - he humbly marked the boundaries: all that I have is from God. I love this attitude! And this story shows that the pharaoh liked it as well:
And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” (Gen 41:38)
Oh, how much I want people to see the Spirit of God in me!
What Can I Do For God To Be With Me?
Having analyzed the story of Joseph I (as usual) wanted to apply it to my life. I know that God promised to always be with us but what can I do so that His glory and grace dwelled with me the way they did with Joseph?
"What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you" (Phil. 4:9)
We have learned so much in church, we have heard so much from our teachers and mentors, we have received so many truths from the Scriptures, and we have seen so many examples of godly men (including Jesus himself) that the only thing left now is to practice it. To stay faithful to our beliefs as Joseph did. To love and serve like Jesus, build relationships, be diligent, and take responsibility - to do our best in everything!
And then, when we stay faithful, we will clearly see God's faithfulness as He will be with us. Moreover, He won't only strengthen and bless us, He will also fill our hearts with peace and hope. Whatever season you are in, however far you've come on your way to your calling, you will know that yore exactly where you're supposed to be.
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